The internet contains a wealth of resources for sports card collectors. Beckett.com is the undisputed champion of such resources offering a multitude of services. Facebook is also gaining some popularity with collectors wanting to trade. On the other hand, there is a vast number of smaller sites that offer a more user-friendly experience. The following is a list of the Top 5 collector-friendly trading card communities.
TCC is hands-down my favorite trading card site. At one time, it ranked just behind Beckett in popularity with collectors. Although the site is seeing a decline in activity, the features that always made it great are thriving. TCC has friendly, knowledgeable members who can answer most any of your trading card-related questions. You can talk cardboard, show off your latest steals, or argue politics. The site has something for everyone. Heck, it's even possible to strike up a trade. I just completed a blockbuster deal that included movement of 24 game-used and autographed cards.
While TCC is a site where you can go and hang out with friends, Sports Card Forum is a place for those ready to deal. No matter what or who you're looking for, it's likely someone here has it and is willing to trade it. It's the first place I go when I'm looking for a trade. The majority of big trades that I have made were completed on Sports Card Forum. The most recent brought home 2 Musial autographs, a Musial GU bat card, a Musial patch card, a Pujols GU bat card, and a Rick Honeycutt autograph. In addition, I landed some nice trade bait to flip for future additions to The Wall.
I'll admit that I don't typically have time to scan more than one or two sites, but when I do, I head on over to the Trading Card Zone. It was started by a member of Trading Card Central and, as a result, the site has much of the same atmosphere and members as TCC. In addition, the overall functionality and aesthetics of the site are top-notch.
4. The Bench
If you're looking for vintage cards, The Bench is where you'll find them. It is hands-down the proving ground for vintage collectors. If you have questions, no problem. The members know their stuff and are willing to share a story or two while they're at it. In addition, the site just underwent an overhaul that gives it a fresh look.
Nowadays, autographs and game-used cards are all the rage and what everyone wants and is offering. You'll find them here, but if you dig a little deeper, you'll find something much better-- those low-end cards you need to finish your set and hard to find 90s inserts that no one else is offering. Sports Card Fun is the first site that I ever joined. The format is a bit outdated, but if you're willing to do a little digging, you'll uncover the true wealth that lies within.
Thank you,
Marc
